On plateaus, the low-oxygen and low-pressure environment is likely to lead to cognitive impairments, negatively impacting individuals newly exposed to high altitudes. This paper reviews how high-altitude environments impair cognitive functions and explores protective strategies in terms of oxygen-enriched and pressurization technologies, neuroregulation techniques, and approaches to endogenous protection. It is recommended that future research focus on personalized cognitive protection and training, the construction of integrated protection systems based on multi-technology convergence, and the investigation of long-term effectiveness and sustainability. These efforts are expected to result in more comprehensive strategies for cognitive protection and enhancement in high-altitude operations.